Hurricane resistant fabric clamps

ABSTRACT

A storm protection system for covering the opening of a building with a flexible material. The system includes a bracket having a first panel and a second panel, the panels each having a surface, the first surface and the second surface of the bracket having a plurality of protrusions disposed thereon (and various embodiments thereof). Another embodiment utilizing at least one inclined planar portion connected to a planar portion of the bracket at the first edge of the inclined planar portion and an elongated member connected to the at least one inclined planar portion for securing a flexible material. A last embodiment includes a planar bracket having a first end and a second end, the planar bracket made of a resilient material. All embodiments operable to hold a flexible material (fabric, screen . . . etc.) over an opening to a building to protect the opening during a storm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/498,680 filed Jun. 20, 2011, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for coveringwindows in hurricane situations. More particularly, this inventionrelates to an apparatus for securing fabric/screen over a window orother opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is commonly known in the art to cover either residential orcommercial building windows with panels, boards, or fabric to protectsaid windows during the high winds produced by a hurricane or othertropical storm. The process of covering windows with fabric, wood (orplywood), or otherwise is commonly known as boarding windows. Boardingwindows reduces overall damage to a home or commercial building byreducing damage caused by wind and rain. Covering or boarding windowsalso reduces damage to a residential home or commercial building bypreventing debris from flying through a window. Utilizing fabric tocover windows in preparation for a strong storm or hurricane is highlyadvantageous in that it is cost effective and storage of fabric provesto be simple.

However, attaching a durable fabric to the outside of a residential homeor commercial building window is difficult. The high winds of ahurricane require a strong connection holding the fabric over thewindow. Current methods of holding fabric over a window includes variousscrew/bolt configurations, or by various straps and tape. Accordingly,it is highly advantageous to provide a strong and secure connectionmeans for a durable and resilient fabric to cover a residential home orcommercial window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A storm protection system for covering the opening of a building with aflexible material to protect the opening from damage, the opening havinga two spaced apart and opposite edges, the system comprising a brackethaving a first panel and a second panel, the first panel of the brackethaving a first surface, the first surface of the bracket having aplurality of protrusions disposed thereon, the second panel of thebracket having a second surface, the second surface of the bracketincluding a plurality of corresponding protrusions disposed thereon anda securing means to hold the first panel to the second panel wherein theflexible material is held between the first panel and the second panel.

Another embodiment includes a bracket having a planar portion, theplanar portion including an aperture, at least one inclined planarportion extending away from the planar portion, the at least one planarportion having a first edge and an oppositely disposed second edge, theat least one inclined planar portion connected to the planar portion ofthe bracket at the first edge of the inclined planar portion and anelongated member connected to the at least one inclined planar portion,the elongated member connected to in the inclined planar portion at thesecond edge wherein the planar portion attaches to an edge of a buildingopening and the flexible material attaches to the elongated member, thebracket being permitted to flex under stress placed o the bracket by theflexible material by means of the inclined planar portions.

Another embodiment includes a planar bracket having a first end and asecond end, the planar bracket made of a resilient material, a firstaperture disposed at the first end of the planar bracket, the firstaperture of the first end of the planar bracket operable to attach tothe edge of the opening of a building and a second aperture disposed atthe second end of the planar bracket, the second aperture of the secondend of the planar bracket operable to attach to the flexible material.

All embodiments operable to hold a flexible material (fabric, screen . .. etc.) over an opening to a building to protect the opening during astorm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an X bracket;

FIG. 2 shows a close up view of the snap connector as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an open view of the bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a closed view of the bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a closes perspective view of the grommet bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 shows a back view of the grommet bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the grommet bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the grommet bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the 3-plate bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the 3-plate bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the 3-plate bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 shows an alternative side view of the 3-plate bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 shows a closed perspective view of the L-bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 shows an open perspective view of the L-bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 shows an closed front view of the L-bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 shows an closed side view of the L-bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the flex bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 shows a top view of the flex bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the flex bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a top view of a cover for the stretch bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 shows a side cross sectional view of the stretch bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the stretch bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 shows an exploded perspective view of the stretch bracket of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 25 illustrates a typical building opening for use in any of theembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a bracket, or clamp, operable tosecurely hold in place a piece of fabric to cover a window inpreparation for a strong storm or hurricane. The window may either be aresidential home window or a commercial building window. Variousembodiments of the bracket are shown in FIGS. 1-25 to accommodate forvarious pieces of fabrics/materials and shapes and sizes of windows.

All of the embodiments below are compatible with various wood, plywood,plastic, polymers, polymer-like materials, plastic-like materials,fabric, fabric-like material, screen, vinyl, clear materials, clearpolycarbonate and other similar suitable materials.

All of the embodiments below may include the use of the protrusions tosecure the various wood, plywood, plastic, polymers, polymer-likematerials, plastic-like materials, fabric, fabric-like material, screen,vinyl, clear materials, clear polycarbonate and other similar suitablematerials. These protrusions are generally conical or diamond shapedhaving a sharp point.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a bracket operable to hold apiece of fabric or other flexible material over a window. The X bracket10 includes a first member 18 and a second member 16. The first member18 is a one piece elongated member having a first end 35 and a secondend 34. The second member 16 includes a first end 32 and a second end33. The first member 18 and the second member 16 are pivotable about afirst pivot point 20. The first pivot point 20 is a pin extendingthrough the center of the first member 18 and the second member 16. Thefirst end 35 of the first member 18 includes a gripping surface 14.

The gripping surface 14 includes a plurality of sharp protrusions 30.The sharp protrusions 30 are triangular or conical in shape and includea sharp pointed end. The protrusions 30 are generally diamond shaped asshown in the Figures. Correspondingly, the second member 16 includes asecond surface 24. The second surface 24 also includes a plurality ofprotrusions 30. The protrusions 30 of the second surface 24 are alsogenerally triangular or conical in shape having a sharp pointed tip(diamond shaped). In a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 5, a pieceof fabric is placed between the first gripping surface 14 and the secondsurface 24. The protrusions 30 grip the fabric between the firstgripping surface 14 and the second surface 24. The protrusions 30 restbetween one another in a fully closed position as shown in FIG. 5.

The X bracket 10 further includes a plurality of holes 40 a-40 e toaccommodate screws to further secure the fabric between the firstgripping surface 14 and the second surface 24. Furthermore, a pluralityof holes 60 a-60 b can accommodate a securing means to hold the Xbracket 10 to a window frame. Furthermore, the slot 52 and inclined ramp50 are provided to accept a strap 72 to further secure a piece of fabricor other material to cover a window. The strap 72 may be pulled 74 tosecure and close the bracket 10.

The X bracket 10 is operable to connect to a building opening edge (suchas a window sill or jamb). The bracket may connect to the building bymeans of a strap connected to the aperture 52 (50), or may directlyconnect to a building. A piece of flexible material (fabric) is clampedtogether between the first member (panel) 18 and a second member (panel)16 and further secured by means of the protrusions 30.

A snap 54 is shown and operable to hold the bracket 10 in a closedposition. The snap 54 includes the snap portion 54 a and the receivingportion 54. The snap portion 54 a may further includes a smallprotrusion to facilitate a secure connection and closure of the snap 54.

FIGS. 6-9 show a second embodiment of the bracket in the form of a twoplate bracket. This bracket is also referred to as a grommet bracket100. A first plate 102 and a second plate 104 are fitted together tohold a piece of fabric to a window. The first plate 102 includes a firstsurface 106 having a plurality of protrusions 120. The protrusions 120include a sharp point and are operable to tightly secure a piece offabric between the first plate 102 and the second plate 104. The secondplate 104 includes a second surface 106. The second surface 106 alsoincludes a plurality of protrusions 120. The protrusions are generallydiamond shaped. The two plate bracket 100 further includes a screw hole110 operable to accept a bolt, screw, or other securing means.Furthermore, securing mechanism 112 includes two projections 114 to fitwithin the screw hole 110. The securing means 112 is operable to tightlysecure the first plate 102 to the second plate 104.

The grommet bracket 100 includes the securing means 112 for attachingthe first place 102 to the second plate 104 together and for securing apiece of fabric, screen, strap . . . etc. between the two plates 102,104 to secure the fabric, screen, strap . . . etc. to a building orwindow (or other). The securing means includes structure on both plates102, 104. The first plate 102 includes a plurality of protrusions 114operable to be accepted by receiving structure 115 on the second plate.The protrusions 114 include structure to secure and snap the platestogether.

The diamond structure protrusions 120 (and with all diamond likeprotrusions in the present invention) are operable to grip fabric orfabric like materials. The protrusions 120 are generally diamond shaped(see figures) and are slightly spaced apart. The protrusions 120 havecorresponding protrusions to next together and to encourage snapping ofthe two plates 102, 104 together.

FIGS. 10-13 show a third embodiment of the bracket having a three plateconfiguration. The three plate bracket 200 includes a first plate 202, asecond plate 204, and a third plate 206. The first plate 202 includes afirst surface 212. The first surface 212 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 208, as described above. The second plate 204 is the middleplate and includes a second surface 214 a and a third surface 214 b. Thesecond surface 214 a and the third surface 214 b also include aplurality of protrusions 208. The third plate 206 includes a fourthsurface 216 also including a plurality of protrusions 208. The threeplate bracket 200 is adapted to secure two pieces of fabric to cover awindow. Securing means 210 provided on the first plate 202 secures thefirst plate 202 to the second plate 204 and to the third plate 206.Further securing protrusions 208 and 20 b provide for extra securingmeans of the three plate bracket.

The securing member 250 of the 3 plate bracket 200 includes a pluralityof protrusions 254 having separate tabs 252. The protrusions 254 andtabs 252 are operable to secure to the receiving structure 256 locatedon the third plate 206. The second plate 204 and the third plate 206snap together by means of the securing member 250. The two plates 204,206 including the protrusions 208 are operable to hold a fabric, screen,strap . . . etc. between the two plates 204, 206. The protrusions 208prevent movement of the fabric, screen, strap . . . etc. The fabric,screen, strap . . . etc. may include a grommet or other aperture to fitaround the securing member 250.

The first plate 202 and the second (middle) plate 204 are securedtogether by means of the snap 210. The snap 210 is located on themiddle/second plate 204. Corresponding connecting structure is locatedon the first plate 202. This structure includes guiding members 213 andreceiving indentation 211. The snap 210 is operable to secure the firstplate 202 to the second plate 204 to hold a piece of fabric, screen,strap . . . etc. for use in mitigating damage to windows/doors duringhurricane conditions.

The bracket 200 may be used to either secure two flexible materials(i.e. strap and fabric) together. The bracket 200 may then be mounted toan opening to a building (window or door) by means of one or more boltsthrough the apertures.

A fourth embodiments is shown as a 90 degree bracket L-shaped bracket300 in FIGS. 14-17 and FIG. 25. The 90 degree bracket 300 has agenerally L-shaped design. The bracket 300 includes a first plate 302and a second plate 304. The first plate 302 includes a first surface306. The second surface 304 includes a second surface 308. Again, as inprevious embodiments, the first surface 306 and the second surface 308include a plurality of protrusions to secure a piece of fabric betweenthe first surface 306 and the second surface 308. The bracket 300further includes a base 320. The first plate 302 and the second plate304 connect to the base 320. Furthermore, a plurality of holes 310 a,310 b and 310 c are provided to secure the bracket 300 to a windowframe, or other building portion, to hold the bracket 300 in place.

FIG. 25 illustrates a typical arrangement of the bracket 300 (and forany of the brackets disclosed in the present invention). The arrangementas shown in FIG. 25 may be implemented for any of the brackets outlinedin this specification. All of the brackets disclosed and as shown in theFigures are operable to connect to a flexible material (fabric, screen,strap) and further connect to an edge of a building opening. FIG. 25illustrates a window and cover arrangement 1000 having a screen 1002.The window includes spaced apart oppositely positioned edges 1006 a,1006 b having an inside perimeter 1004 a, 1004 b. In the presentembodiment, the brackets 300 are attached to the inside perimeter 1004a, 1004 b of the window. All other arrangements of the present inventioninclude the bracket being mounted to the planar portion 1008 of theedges 1006 a, 1006 b. In the present embodiment, screws of bolts 382further secure the bracket together around the flexible material 1002.Further, fasteners or bolts 380 attached the bracket 300 to the window.

FIGS. 18-20 show a fifth embodiment and provide for a flex bracket 400allowing for a strap or other piece of material/fabric to be secured toa flat panel, such as a wall. The base portion 402 is rectangular andhas a planar bottom surface. A pair of inclined planar portions or arms406 a, 406 b extend from one side of the base 402 to extend to acylindrical portion 404. The arms 406 a, 406 b angle outwardly from aplanar bottom surface to support a cylindrical portion 404 at a positionspaced away from the surface of the wall. The base 402 has a rectangularmounting portion which extends from the side between the arms 406 a, 406b. A mounting slot 430 is formed in a mounting portion to accept afastener 424 as shown in FIG. 18. A strap (not shown) is mounted aboutthe cylindrical portion (elongated) 404 to hold the covering in place.Because the axis of the fastener is on the opposite side of the edge ofthe planar surface from which the arms extend, the mounting portionresists the prying force generated by the strap.

The flex bracket 400 may further include a plurality of protrusions 490.The protrusions 490 are adapted and operable to engage an opening of abuilding (wood, plywood, polymer, plastic . . . etc.) to further supportand secure the flex bracket 400. The bracket 400 works particularly wellwhen attached to plywood and polycarbonate.

The planar portion or base 402 includes the mounting aperture or slot430. The slot 430 is adapted to accept a bolt 410. The head of the bolt410 rests within one of the indentations 440, 442. The indentations 440,442 are generally circular and concentric around each other. Theindentations 440, 442 are adapted to secure the head of a bolt andprevent the head of a bold from moving out of the slot 430. The base 402is mounted to an edge around a window (as shown in FIG. 25) by theconnecting bolt 424. The strap connects to the cylindrical member 404.The bracket 400 is then permitted to flex (because of the arms 406 a,406 b and the resilient material the bracket 400 is comprised of) underhigh winds and stress. The movement is shown in FIG. 20 at referencenumeral 404A.

The bracket 400 further includes support members 448 connecting the arms(inclined planar portions) 406 a, 406 b to the elongated cylindricalmember 404. The cylindrical portion 404 further includes indentations408.

A last embodiment as shown in FIGS. 21-24 shows a stretch bracket 700for connecting a panel (fabric, polycarbonate, clear polycarbonate,wood, plexiglass, or otherwise) to a window. The bracket 700 worksparticularly well when attached to plywood and polycarbonate. Thestretch bracket 700 includes two apertures 752, 754. The first aperture752 connects to a panel 780 by means of a fastener 764. The secondaperture 754 connects to a window frame, or building, by means of afastener 770 to secure the flexible material (or panel, strap, screen .. . etc.) over the building opening. The bracket 700 is made of a highlyresilient elastic rubber capable of stretching and flexing as the panelmoves with the wind of severe weather. Grooves 751 are provided on theresilient elastic rubber to facilitate flexing of the stretch bracket700. The above describe configuration may also be reversed (i.e. thefirst aperture is connected to the window frame (rather than theflexible material)).

The stretch bracket 700 may further include a plurality of protrusions890. The protrusions 890 are adapted and operable to engage an openingof a building (wood, plywood, polymer, plastic . . . etc.) to furthersupport and secure the flex bracket 700.

The bracket 700 includes a flex portion 750 having a first end 880 and asecond end 882. The first aperture 752 is provided at the first end 880of the flex portion 750. The second aperture 754 is provided at thesecond end 882 of the flex portion 750. Various fasteners and bolts 764,770 to secure the portions of the bracket 700 together.

A cover 800 is also provided to cover the bracket 700. The cover 800 iscurved and generally aesthetically appealing. The bolt 770 extendsthrough the cover 800 and is cured by means of the nut 802.

Support portions 810, 812 serve to facilitate and support the flexportion 750. The support portion 810 includes grommets 816, 814 operableto connect to the bolts 818, 820 of the support portion 810. The supportportion 810 further includes fastener 822.

Twist bolt 850 is provided to secure the portions of the bracket 700together. The bolt 850 may be used through either the first aperture 752or the second aperture 754. The bolt includes an upper portion 851 and alower portion 853. The upper portion 851 includes gear mechanism 852.The lower portion 853 includes indentations 854 to facilitate securingof the bolt 850 within the bracket 700.

The invention is not restricted to the illustrative examples andembodiments described above. The embodiments are not intended aslimitations on the scope of the invention. Methods, apparatus,compositions, and the like described herein are exemplary and notintended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes thereinand other uses will occur to those skilled in the art.

1. A storm protection system for covering the opening of a building witha flexible material to protect the opening from damage, the openinghaving a two spaced apart and opposite edges, the system comprising: abracket having a first panel and a second panel; the first panel of thebracket having a first surface, the first surface of the bracket havinga plurality of protrusions disposed thereon, the second panel of thebracket having a second surface, the second surface of the bracketincluding a plurality of corresponding protrusions disposed thereon; anda securing means to hold the first panel to the second panel wherein theflexible material is held between the first panel and the second panel.2. The storm protection system of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofprotrusions of the first surface and the plurality of protrusions of thesecond surface are generally conical shaped.
 3. The storm protectionsystem of claim 1 the first panel and the second panel are pivotallyconnected.
 4. The storm protection system of claim 3 wherein the firstpanel and the second panel are pivotally connected in a generallyX-shaped design.
 5. The storm protection system of claim 4 wherein thesecuring means is a snap.
 6. The storm protection system of claim 1wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected by anintegrated snap.
 7. The storm protection system of claim 1 wherein athird panel is provided.
 8. The storm protection system of claim 7wherein the third panel includes a first surface and an opposite secondsurface.
 9. The storm protection system of claim 8 wherein both thefirst surface and the second surface include a plurality of protrusions.10. The storm protection system of claim 1 wherein the bracket isgenerally L-shaped.
 11. The storm protection system of claim 1 whereinthe first panel and the second panel each include at least one aperture.12. The storm protection system of claim 11 wherein a fastener isinserted through the aperture of the first and second panels to furthersecure the flexible material to the bracket.
 13. A storm protectionsystem for at least partially covering the opening of a building with aflexible material to protect the opening from damage, the opening havinga two spaced apart and opposite edges, the system comprising: a brackethaving a planar portion, the planar portion including a slot; at leastone inclined planar portion extending away from the planar portion, theat least one planar portion having a first edge and an oppositelydisposed second edge, the at least one inclined planar portion connectedto the planar portion of the bracket at the first edge of the inclinedplanar portion; and an elongated member connected to the at least oneinclined planar portion, the elongated member connected to in theinclined planar portion at the second edge; wherein the planar portionattaches to an edge of a building opening and the flexible materialattaches to the elongated member, the bracket being permitted to flexunder stress placed o the bracket by the flexible material by means ofthe inclined planar portions.
 14. The storm protection system of claim13 wherein the planar portion includes a plurality of protrusionsoperable to further secure the planar portion to the building opening.15. The storm protection system of claim 14 wherein the protrusions aregenerally conical shaped.
 16. The storm protection system of claim 13wherein the planar portion includes a first upper indentation near theslot.
 17. The storm protection system of claim 16 wherein the firstupper indentation is generally circular.
 18. The storm protection systemof claim 16 wherein the planar portion includes a second upperindentation concentrically disposed around the first indentation.
 19. Astorm protection system for covering the opening of a building with amaterial to protect the opening from damage, the opening having a twospaced apart and opposite edges, the system comprising: a planar brackethaving a first end and a second end, the planar bracket made of aresilient material; a first aperture disposed at the first end of theplanar bracket, the first aperture of the first end of the planarbracket operable to attach to the edge of the opening of a building; anda second aperture disposed at the second end of the planar bracket, thesecond aperture of the second end of the planar bracket operable toattach to the material.
 20. The storm protection system of claim 19wherein the planar bracket includes a plurality of indentations tofacilitate flexibility.
 21. The storm protection system of claim 19wherein a cover member covers the planar bracket.
 22. The stormprotection system of claim 19 wherein at least one support plate mountsto the first aperture.
 23. The storm protection system of claim 19wherein a plate having a first aperture and a second aperture areconnected to the planar bracket.
 24. The storm protection system ofclaim 23 wherein the first aperture of the plate is elongated.
 25. Thestorm protection system of claim 19 wherein the bracket includes aplurality of protrusions.
 26. The storm protection system of claim 25wherein the protrusions are generally conical shaped.